Seahawks Draft: 5 prospects to consider with three 4th Round picks
By Josh Davis
ILB Christian Jones, Florida State
Jan 2, 2014; Newport Beach, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles linebacker Christian Jones at the 2014 BCS National Championship press conference at Newport Beach Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jones represents a fulfillment of three needs for the Seahawks in one fell-swoop. The first issue is that the Hawks have serious long-term issues in their linebacking corps, as Malcolm Smith and K.J. Wright both came in with Byron Maxwell. This means they are going to be too expensive and at least one of them (possibly both) will have to go within the next two years depending on the status of Bobby Wagner and Bruce Irvin, whose contracts are up the year after.
The second issue the Hawks would like to address is finding a rotational pass-rusher to add to the group. Chris Clemons leaving creates a hole that needs to be filled because I don’t think Michael Bennett or Cliff Avril can be as productive in an every-down role.
Like most FSU linebackers, Jones is an athletic freak who could offer explosion off the edge very similar to Irvin and would also represent a crazy-good special teams option (the third need for Seattle) while he grows into the LB position. It was fun watching him run around after the Auburn speedsters all game in the National Championship. This would be a highly flavorful pick for my tastes.